Carbondale Reporter

Another week has brought recognition for Southern Illinois University's swimming and diving team, as four of its athletes have been honored with Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) weekly awards. Henrique Pacheco Januario and Olivia Herron have been named the Men's and Women's Swimmers of the Week, respectively. Rodrigo Ramos received the Men's Freshman of the Week title, while Liseska Gallegos Gutierrez earned the Women's Freshman of the Week accolade.

This marks the third time Gallegos has been recognized as Women's Freshman of the Week and Herron's second time as Women's Swimmer of the Week this season. Pacheco and Ramos are first-time recipients.

"Once again I am very happy that these student-athletes are recognized for their outstanding performances," said head coach Geoff Hanson. "As we are coming into championship season we will need contributions from everyone on the roster to be at our best."

Pacheco showcased his skills at a meet in Little Rock, where SIU's men's team triumphed over Henderson State. He was part of SIU's 400-yard medley relay team that took first place with a time of 3:14.96. Individually, he secured first place in both the 100-yard breaststroke and 200-yard breaststroke, achieving a career-best time of 55:41 in the former event. Pacheco also finished as runner-up in the 400-yard IM. On Senior Day against Eastern Illinois, he added two more golds in breaststroke events, ending his weekend with six podium finishes.

Herron played a key role in SIU's victories over Little Rock, Henderson State, and Eastern Illinois. She contributed to a win in the 400-yard medley relay and claimed first place in both breaststroke events on Friday, meeting NCAA "B" standards with times of 1:00.44 and 2:13.10. Herron concluded Friday with another victory in the 400-yard IM. Against Eastern Illinois on Saturday, she helped secure a win in the 200-yard medley relay and achieved another NCAA "B" standard by winning the 200-yard breaststroke event. Herron wrapped up her weekend with eight podium finishes across two meets.

Ramos quickly established himself as an important member of SIU's squad since joining after semester break. He achieved four top-three finishes against Henderson State on Friday, including first-place wins in both freestyle events he competed in. Ramos continued his success on Saturday by taking first place again in one freestyle event.

Gallegos maintained her impressive freshman performance during SIU's weekend wins. She was part of a runner-up team effort on Friday before securing second places individually in backstroke events and contributing to a winning relay team effort later that day.

More information about MVC's weekly awards can be found at mvc-sports.com.